Calvin Kuo awarded Killam Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship

We are pleased to announce that Calvin Kuo has been awarded the Killam Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship for 2018.

The Killam Scholarship and Prize Programmes were established in memory of Izaak Walton Killam through the Will of his wife, Dorothy Johnston Killam, and through gifts made during her lifetime. Their primary purpose is to support advanced education and research at five Canadian universities and the Canada Council for the Arts. The UBC Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are provided annually from the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies and are available for most fields of research.

Calvin received his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science from the California Institute of Technology in 2011. Thereafter, he worked for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena CA as a software engineer in the robotics section where he simulated spacecraft and terrestrial rovers for NASA missions and DARPA robotics projects.

In 2013, he began his graduate education at Stanford University in the department of Mechanical Engineering. In 2015, he received his Master’s of Science and in 2018, his PhD under the supervision of professors David Camarillo and Scott Delp.

His research interests have varied over the years, ranging from modelling and control of synthetic systems (robots) to modelling and control of biological systems (humans). Calvin starts his postdoc at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of professors Jean-Sebastien Blouin in Kinesiology and Dinesh Pai in Computer Science, investigating how inputs from different sensory systems are combined to efficiently and accurately provide feedback for balance and postural control.

Congratulations to Calvin on this award.

New Paper Out: Carrot Rewards App

Sept. 13, 2018 – Curious about the influence of the Carrot Rewards App on promoting steps? This study examined whether a multi-component intervention (e.g., goal setting, graded tasks, biofeedback, and incentives) could increase physical activity in two Canadian provinces (BC and NL). Read more about the evaluation of the Carrot Rewards App here.

Start of Term Lab Outing

Sept. 13, 2018 – Teamwork? Laughter? Stylish helmets? Check, check, and check! The Pop-PA crew scaled new heights in our most recent lab outing to the UBC Ropes Course. #PopPALab

Ohman, Dale

1969 UBC Physical Education (Kinesiology) graduate Dale Ohman would appear to have two passions: volleyball and UBC. As a student, Dale played varsity Thunderbird volleyball, a career feature his being a member of the 1966/67 UBC Hall of Fame team – Canadian champions and a team that ultimately changed the way the game of volleyball would be played In Canada.

Beginning in 1971/72 and 72/73 then resuming in 1980/81 until 2003, Dale was head coach of UBC men’s volleyball – a total of 25 years. That same 80/81 season, Dale returned to UBC as a student to pursue his Masters degree in Physical Education. As UBC’s head coach, he was named on two occasions Canada’s university men’s volleyball Coach of the Year and in 82/83 guided UBC to the national championship, a championship not won again by UBC until 2018.

Dale was dedicated and could be counted on to be in his office even on weekends always available to assist others and promote his sport. His 25 years as a UBC head coach is among the most in our university’s history.

Now retired, Dale continues to serve as coach, mentor and volleyball administrator at the provincial level and remains a fan of UBC volleyball commuting from Chilliwack to attend each Thunderbird home game. His dedication to the sport led Dale to be inducted into the BC Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2016 and the UBC Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Alumni, alumni stories, kin history

Watts, Carrie

Since entering UBC in 1999/2000, Carrie Watts (nee Watson) has been an integral component of UBC Thunderbird basketball, including one of its best players and now an emerging coach. Carrie earned three degrees at UBC: Bachelor of Human Kinestics in 2004, Bachelor of Education in 2005, and Masters of Kinesiology in 2011, while achieving Academic All-Canadian status as a Thunderbird.

Carrie and her teammates were instrumental in the Thunderbirds’ rise to national basketball prominence culminating in 2004 with UBC winning the U SPORTS national championship and Carrie being named the Championship tournament MVP.

Carrie was known for her game-changing defensive play, especially steals as in 2004 she was named U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year as well as Canada West first-team All Star and USPORTS second team All-Canadian. This same year she was awarded the Marilyn Pomfret trophy as UBC female athlete of the year and the Basketball BC University female athlete of the year.

From 2005 through 2007 Carrie played on Canada’s National basketball team competing in several international tournaments – a rare accomplishment for a Thunderbird. Beginning in 2008 Carrie has worked with head coach Deb Huband as the Thunderbirds full-time assistant coach. During the following 10 years her skills in areas such as scouting, recruiting and defensive systems has contributed to UBC winning Bronze (2015) Silver (2012) and Gold (2008) medals at he USPORTS National Championships. One of UBC’s Athletics management team expressed his admiration for Carrie . . . “She’s great! Such humility and is always eager to help and or support even when unsolicited.”

Welcome to the Pop-PA Lab!

Aug. 29, 2018 – We are excited to announce two new members of our team: Matthew Fagan (PhD student) and Mahabhir Kandola (Masters student). Welcome to the Pop-PA Lab!

In Memoriam – Laura Robertson

Below we share an in memoriam piece submitted to us by Sarah Richter, a friend and fellow student of Laura Robertson, KIN graduate, who passed away on July 30, 2018.

Laura Robertson was a School of Kinesiology alumnus, who graduated in May 2017. She was known for her sense of adventure, compassion for helping others, willingness to try to new things, and her quiet, yet funny personality.

Prior to her years studying Kinesiology, she was first enrolled in the Faculty of Arts in 2011 at UBC, and even had time to adventure to the University of Melbourne for a Go Global semester in the latter half of her third year.

Laura was able to pursue her true passion by joining the School of Kinesiology. She worked part-time at Body Works as a Personal Trainer from 2015-2016; her client interactions were always positive and meaningful. Although her career aspirations lay in Kinesiology, she was able to find a home in other activities at UBC. Laura competed for the UBC Logger Sports Thunderjacks team, competing in BC, Alberta, and throughout the United States. Her events included axe throwing, double buck, stock saw, and the underhand chop. She was also selected as a club representative for SISU Girls of UBC in its inaugural year. The club’s focus was on providing outdoor adventure opportunities to UBC students, inclusive of all abilities, genders, and ages. The international organization focused on engagement with young females, but this UBC club broke boundaries in providing opportunities that other clubs lacked. Through SISU Girls of UBC, Laura showcased her adventurous and brave self on hikes, wilderness scavenger hunts, beach clean-ups, and water sports. Other involvements included being an Assistant Director for UBC REC’s Ice Hockey League, being an Orientation Leader for the School of Kinesiology, and following that up with her role as a Squad Leader. UBC Orientations allowed her to connect with student leaders in other programs, while continuing to plan an incredible welcome-to-UBC for new Kinesiology students.

Within her busy schedule of involvements, Laura found more time to work. In 2015, she worked with Groundwork Athletics Inc., Vancouver. Here, she continued to work in a personal training capacity, while organizing fundraisers for after school programs and communicating in an interdisciplinary setting.

During Laura’s summers at home in the Niagara Region, she volunteered her time in horseback riding with clients with special needs at Red Roof Retreat. Following graduation in 2017, she was promoted to an instructor role. Laura also decided to work outside the field of Kinesiology, and spent the year in a customer service environment at a local craft brewery. As Laura continued to grow in her field, she most recently was hired in to a role in the Brock University Department of Athletics & Recreation. The Robertson parents were known for their support to Brock University, and Laura continued their legacy by working for the school.

Laura passed away on July 30, 2018, with both of her parents, as her family was flying from their cottage in Pembroke, ON to P.E.I. for a vacation. The family has been well recognized in this time for the support and love for the Niagara community, but Laura Robertson will still be well-remembered on the west coast. She leaves behind two brothers, who will continue the family’s legacy and supportive image.

For students who find they are in need of counselling support, please contact UBC’s counselling services to be given priority treatment.

Alumni, In Memoriam

New Paper Out

Aug. 27, 2018 – New paper out by Dr. Guy Faulkner and colleagues examining whether a Canadian children’s television show (The Moblees) can get children moving more. The study examined: 1) whether children were more physically active when watching a Moblees episode, and 2) explored parental perceptions of the show. To learn more: Can The Moblees™ Move Canadian Children? Investigating the Impact of a Television Program on Children’s Physical Activity

Kinesiology staff receive two 2018 President’s Awards

We are pleased to announce that two of our staff members have received 2018 President’s Awards: Kathy Manson, Executive Coordinator and Program Administrator, received the wellbeing award, and Dylan Brown, Program Director, UBC Active Kids, received a community engagement award.

Kathy approaches all aspects of her position with empathy and compassion. Whether advocating for the voices of women researchers, instructors, and junior academics to support them in being heard, or providing encouragement to international students who are working through immigration paperwork, Kathy’s collaborative approach creates a welcoming environment and inspires others.

Kathy integrates physical activity into her daily life, and also participates in the School’s community-based activities. She invites all students, faculty, and staff to join, regardless of their skill or fitness levels.

Kathy has led several well being initiatives for staff and faculty, including ‘KINnections’, a series of social gatherings that enable faculty and graduate students to connect from eight sites and build community.

Dylan is a role model within the School as well, for his unparalleled level of commitment to improving general health and physical literacy. He has elevated a number of outreach programs to engage with new communities, focusing on increasing quality of life, health, and wellbeing through physical activity participation and social connection, in particular for children and youth. As just one example, in 2015, Dylan partnered with the Musqueam Band to develop a physical literacy program for parents and their young children, and again in 2018, he sought and was granted a grant for further developing the programming with the Musqueam Band. He has also brought the successful gymnastics program Active Kids to new communities in Vancouver, helping families find affordable ways to spend quality time together.

Dylan’s efforts have had a positive impact on the communities themselves, but also on the UBC student community, who have been able to partake in hundreds of experiential learning opportunities. Dylan ensures that the faculty, staff, and students in Kinesiology have the opportunity to engage, support, and be involved in community events at UBC and across Vancouver.

Congratulations to both Kathy and Dylan on this achievement!

School of Kinesiology attends Pacifica’s Race for Recovery

On Sunday, August 12, community members and participants from Pacifica’s Treatment Centre gathered at Trout Lake for the 1st Annual 5K Fun Run “Race for Recovery”. The School of Kinesiology participated as a partner in the event, which celebrated life, people, community, and the power of exercise in recovery from addiction. Exhilarated runners crossed the finish line to the cheers and support of family, friends, and volunteers. Following the 1 and 5km runs, a festive ceremony led by CTV News Vancouver anchor Coleen Christie brought numerous participants to the microphone all expounding the powerful effect of exercise on mental health and its key role in recovery.

“We now know that exercise induces powerful biological effects on virtually every organ system in the body, including the brain,” said Robert Boushel, Director of the School of Kinesiology. “There is vast sensory input to the brain and hundreds of biomolecules are released into the circulation during exercise. Exercise stimulates growth of new nerve cells and release of proteins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor that improve health and survival of nerve cells.”

“What we have observed with our clients is that engaging in the exercise program helps them to reconnect with their own sense of being capable in both physical activity as well as their emotional well being,” said Alison Silgardo, Pacifica CEO. “In addition, we observe that clients build a positive sense of connection initially with their peers, but ultimately with the rest of society. This connection helps them to realize that

they belong in society, and that they are much more than their struggles with addiction. Seeing our alumni come back to participate in runs helps them to remain connected not only to recovery but to a healthy lifestyle.

“As the only licensed addiction treatment centre in the Vancouver region (funded by Vancouver Coastal Health), we have been focused on holistic approach (bio, psycho, social, spiritual) to treatment. The integration of a 52-week exercise program has had a tremendous impact on our clients. None of this would have been possible without the support of partners over the past two years like the School of Kinesiology, Sobeys, Racketts and Runners, BC Housing, Worksafe, and Parks Board.”